Helpful hints and tips from Bluedrop
Nov 19Winter driving tips for your fleet
by Mark McKennaThe weather in the UK can be unpredictable and it will no doubt be set to change in the coming months, which is why looking at winter driving tips...
Nov 12Navigating Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) on Electric Cars
by Mark McKennaA Guide for Fleet Managers As a fleet manager, you're tasked with making decisions that not only keep your fleet efficient but also...
Nov 11Load Security: Essential Practices for Haulage Firms
by Mark McKennaIn the haulage industry, ensuring the security of your cargo is one of the most critical responsibilities. Failing to properly secure loads can result...
Aug 13How to prevent distracted driving in your fleet
by Mark McKennaDistracted driving is a leading cause of accidents on the road, posing significant risks to both drivers and the public. For businesses managing a...
Jul 23Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) represent a middle ground between traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and fully electric...
Jul 03Top 10 Tips on Finding the Best Multi-Van Insurance
by Mark McKennaFinding the best multi-van insurance is a top priority for businesses and individuals who operate more than one van. Not only can it provide...
Jun 18A Guide to Understanding Dashboard Warning Lights
by Mark McKennaYour dashboard warning lights keep you informed about your vehicle's health. Yet, many drivers tend to overlook these important signals, which can...
Jun 13Electric Car Maintenance tips for Longevity and Efficiency
by Mark McKennaWhile electric vehicles generally require less maintenance, there are still several key practices you should follow to keep your EV running smoothly....
May 20How to keep Vehicle Off Road (VOR) time to a minimum
by Mark McKennaPlanned or unplanned vehicle downtime remains one of the most frustrating aspects of fleet maintenance and management. Whether it is due to an...
Mar 18New Driving Laws for 2024 That Fleet Managers Should Know
by Mark McKennaThere's been a huge change in driving regulations this year, with ongoing efforts to make our roads safer and more efficient. The introduction of...
Feb 06Understanding Grey Fleets and How to Manage Them
by Mark McKennaGrey fleets are becoming increasingly popular in the world of business. Yet while this way of travelling has become a lot more common, it comes with...
Jan 08When it comes to transporting goods, the journey from A to B comes with a lot of responsibilities. It's not just about delivering items;...
Dec 20What is Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)?
by Mark McKennaIf you're wondering about the smartest way to finance your next car, you've probably come across a personal contract purchase or PCP. So, what...
Oct 23Over the past decade, we've all watched electric vehicles (EVs) move from a novelty to a norm. Their promise to the planet, lighter impact on our...
Oct 17Tips on buying a used van for your business
by Mark McKennaFor businesses big and small, having a reliable mode of transport can be invaluable. If you're considering purchasing a van, a second-hand van...
Jul 25Driving Without Insurance: Understanding the Penalties and Legal Consequences of Driving Uninsured
by Mark McKennaDriving without insurance is a serious offence that can have severe legal and financial repercussions. It's a nightmare scenario that can quickly...
Jul 18Can I Claim Business Mileage From Home?
by Mark MckennaWith remote work becoming the new normal for many professionals, questions regarding tax deductions and expenses have taken centre stage. One common...
Jun 21When it comes to job perks, a company car often ranks high on the list of desirable benefits. However, owning or leasing a car can come with its own...
May 23How to Extend EV Battery Life
by Mark McKennaElectric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly popular choice for drivers who want to reduce their carbon footprint and make a positive impact...
May 22HGV Blind Spots: Understanding and Managing Them
by Mark McKennaHeavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are a common sight on roads across the UK. These large vehicles are essential for transporting goods across long...
May 20Electric Car Charging Tips - Charge Your EV the Smart Way
by Mark McKennaAs we enter 2023, the popularity of electric vehicles continues to surge, with more and more people making the switch to eco-friendly transportation...
May 19There have been many recent headlines regarding the cost of living crisis, increasing mortgage rates and rising fuel prices – and that's...
Mar 16I went over my driving hours - what are the consequences?
by Mark McKennaIf you're thinking, "I went over my driving hours; am I in trouble?" don’t panic. We're here to help drivers understand how to...
Mar 15The Importance of the Weekly Rest Period for HGVs
by Mark McKennaWhether you're a qualified HGV driver or a transport operator, I'm sure you're already aware that it's mandatory to follow the weekly...
Mar 14Staying legal - HGV Driver Hours and Rests [Infographic]
by Mark McKennaAs an employer of HGV drivers there are some rules that you need to abide by for driver’s hours and rest periods. A failure to comply with these...
Mar 10How to comply with wide load regulations in the UK
by Mark McKennaWhile most logistical standards are closely aligned, each country has its own road transport regulations. We've put together a guide to tell you...
Dec 07Don't leave yourself or your employees unprotected when they're out on business. Business car insurance can help you maintain a single...
Nov 25Should I Buy or Lease a Van for My Business?
by Mark McKennaIf you're concerned about the cost of buying a van, leasing it may be a more affordable option. We'll take a look at the pros and cons of each...
Oct 17A Guide to Towing with Commercial Vehicles
by Mark McKennaTowing a vehicle can be difficult to do, but once you've mastered the basics of towing with commercial vehicles, there are also other things to...
Sep 28What are ANPR cameras
by Mark McKennaANPR technology has been used in the UK since the late 1970's to track vehicle information, but it wasn't until more recent years that law...
Sep 12What is an insurance broker?
by Doug KelleyWe all know that insurance is a necessity. But it can be confusing with so many options and companies to choose from. That's where an insurance...
Sep 08How long to charge a flat car battery
by Mark McKennaAll of us rely on our cars, and if you own one, you know how important it is to keep everything running smoothly. Flat car batteries are one of the...
Aug 19Claiming Mileage Allowance Relief on work based journeys
by Mark McKennaIf you use your personal car for work journeys in the UK and your employer isn’t reimbursing you in full for the mileage, you could be entitled...
Aug 15Vans are some of the most popular vehicles on the road for both personal and professional use, and for good reason. They offer convenience, comfort,...
Aug 11Driving without due care and attention, also known as careless driving, is one of the most commonly issued road traffic offences. A person can be...
Aug 07Do I need a green card to drive in Europe?
by Mark McKennaIf you're planning on taking a British registered vehicle into an EU member state, it's vital to check the local regulations for all countries...
Jul 18HMRC mileage rates and rules on reclaiming business mileage
by Mark McKennaIn a recent YouGov survey surprisingly 56% of company car drivers were found to be unaware of HMRC rules on reclaiming business mileage. HMRC mileage...
May 19The importance of vehicle inspections
by Mark McKennaRegularly inspecting your fleet vehicles is an essential part of avoiding breakdowns, accidents, and costly call-outs on the road. It can also help...
May 09Choosing the best van for your business
by Mark McKennaIf you’re in a trade like plumbing, home removals, or parcel deliveries, a van is an essential business investment. When it comes to choosing...
Apr 25Understanding tyre speed ratings and general tyre care
by Mark McKennaDrivers in the UK have a legal responsibility to ensure they’re complying with tyre speed ratings and tyre care. Allowing your tyres to wear too...
Apr 22Company car or car allowance?
by Mark McKennaIf you’re being offered the choice between a company car or car allowance but you’re struggling to decide which to go for, this guide will...
Mar 08What you need to know about company car tax on electric cars
by Mark McKennaWith car tax on electric cars due to rise to 2% in the new financial year, here’s everything you need to know about company car tax on electric...
Feb 157 new driving laws for 2022 that your business should know
by Mark McKennaIf you’re constantly on the road for your job then knowing the latest new driving laws is essential to avoiding points on your license or being...
Jan 21How predictive analytics can help your fleet
by Mark McKennaFleet Managers have a lot of responsibility, from taking care of driver safety and managing fleet maintenance to keeping on top of costs and budgets....
Dec 01How long will your electric vehicle battery last?
by Mark McKennaElectric vehicles and their environmental advantages are becoming an increasingly popular option over petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. This is...
Nov 18Fleet management focus for 2022
by Mark McKennaThe fleet industry plays a vital role in keeping the UK economy going. The need for well organised and prepared fleets have become increasingly...
Nov 10Improving fleet driver safety
by Mark McKennaThe safety and wellbeing of your employees is a top priority for any business, but if you are managing a fleet of vehicles where drivers are on the...
Sep 22How does a fleet insurance policy work?
by Mark McKennaIt is a legal requirement for every vehicle on the road to be insured in the UK. If you are running a business and have business vehicles, you can...
Aug 02How your fleet can reduce carbon emissions
by Mark McKennaAs the world aims to become more sustainable to reduce carbon emissions, we all must play a part in helping to reduce our carbon footprint. Working...
Jul 27What do I need to drive abroad after Brexit?
by Mark McKennaThe UK officially left the European Union in January 2020, with the transition period ending on 31st December 2020. The UK has been negotiating a...
Jul 15How to save fuel: What will reduce fuel consumption?
by Mark McKennaBusinesses want to find the most efficient and cost-effective way to operate to make a profit. So, when it comes to saving money, you want to start...
Jun 10How to improve daily walkaround checks for HGVs
by Mark McKennaDaily walkaround checks for HGVs is very important for fleets, they help to keep track of the health of your vehicles and prevent accidents from...
May 18Flexible fleets in this ever-changing world
by Mark McKennaThe coronavirus pandemic has caused some unpredictable outcomes over the past year. Businesses have had to quickly adapt to a new way of working....
Apr 29Fleet solutions to improve ROI
by Mark McKennaAs a fleet Manager, if you focus on fleet solutions that automate and simplify the management process, you will notice that your ROI will...
Mar 23Do electric cars hold their value?
by Mark McKennaThe sales of electric cars have been on a steep uprise over the past few years, with a 180% increase in sales year on year. The governments initiative...
Feb 22Re-mobilising your fleet post-pandemic
by Mark McKennaWith the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine and talks of social distancing restrictions easing, fleet businesses need to look at a post-pandemic...
Jan 08How to overcome Last mile delivery hurdles
by Mark McKennaThe reliance on delivery throughout the pandemic has bought to light the inefficiency in last mile delivery systems. Delivery complaints have trebled...
Dec 02The Fleet Management KPIs you should focus on at year end
by Mark McKenna2020 has been a strange year, with the pandemic and various lockdowns your goals and targets for fleet management may not have been achievable. As...
Nov 1611 Benefits of Driver Training
by Mark McKennaTraining your drivers on how to drive more efficiently has many benefits, including keeping your drivers and other road users safe. When managed...
Sep 09Driver training should not be ignored due to Covid-19
by Mark McKennaCoronavirus has meant we have all had to adjust to a new way of working, quickly. The lockdown has caused the temporary closures of most retail and...
Aug 26HGV night driving rules
by Mark McKennaThe EU applied rules to help monitor and limit Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) driver usage and to make it safe for the drivers and other road users....
Aug 05How your business can prevent fleet fraud
by Mark McKennaIf your business has been affected by fleet fraud, then you will know how costly it can be. Fleet fraud can impact many businesses, from those with as...
Jul 23How logistics companies can reduce transportation costs
by Mark McKennaTransportation costs can be a large part of Logistics companies’ budgets. Reviewing data can help you make cost-effective business decisions....
Jul 20How to approach fleet management after lockdown
by Mark McKennaThe current pandemic has seen the UK in lockdown since the end of March. Fleet managers had to adapt to a new way of working quickly to continue the...
Jul 07How to improve your truck fleet management
by Mark McKennaTruck fleet management can be stressful, whether the fleet is large or small. From costs, to training and maintenance, there are many elements Fleet...
May 21Image credit: Patrick Seidler Updated: 21/05/2020 Within the EU, rules on limiting commercial driver hours are thankfully in place and...
May 19How to look after your car during lockdown
by Mark McKennaThe UK has been in lockdown since the middle of March, which means staying at home and only travelling for essential shopping or to work if you...
May 04Step-by-step guide on DPF filter cleaning
by Mark MckennaDiesel Particle Filters (DPF's) are only used in diesel vehicles, their purpose is to collect the soot from the exhaust and prevent the harmful...
Apr 09After quickly transforming into a global pandemic, Coronavirus (COVID-19), has caused complications to many businesses, not least the operations of...
Apr 09Remote working tips for fleet managers
by Mark McKennaThe Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has shut down most of the country, and all non-essential businesses have either had to close or work from home....
Feb 14Which Fuel is Best for the Environment and Your Fleet?
by Mark McKennaThere are a number of things you need to consider when choosing the best fuel for your fleet. What are the vehicles used for (transporting...
Nov 06Keeping on top of your heavy equipment maintenance
by Mark McKennaWhen maintaining a fleet of vehicles, heavy equipment that is used within a business can be capital-intensive. This is not just the initial cost of...
Oct 21Should your business be investing in electric vehicles?
by Mark McKennaThe pressure is on for businesses to make environmentally friendly choices to reduce the impact they have on carbon emissions. Companies are now...
Aug 12How Industry 4.0 is changing the haulage industry
by Mark McKennaEver since the turn of the 21st century, technology has accelerated at what feels like ever-increasing pace and 'industry 4.0' is no...
Aug 076 ways you can future-proof your business fleet vehicles
by Mark McKennaWhether your business fleet consists of a few vehicles or a few hundred, it’s essential to put provisions in place that ensures you’re...
Jul 02Consider all the options when financing your fleet
by Mark McKennaAs a company there are many reasons why you may not be keen on your employees using their own private vehicles for business use. These reasons can...
Apr 28HGV Driving Hours and documents needed post Brexit
by Mark McKennaWe might not be any closer to a resolution on when and how the UK will leave the EU, but as the uncertainty around Brexit endures, businesses are...
Mar 26With the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) coming into force in central London on 8th April the clock is ticking. Business fleets can’t afford to...
Feb 13What is an insurance broker and why should you use one
by Doug KelleyIn an age where consumers are increasingly turning online for advice we take a look at the benefits and cost savings to be gained by using the expert...
Jan 30Having one of your fleet vehicles off the road could be affecting your bottom line. It’s not just the cost of maintaining your vehicle with the...
Dec 22WLTP - How emission values will affect company car costs
by Mark McKennaA new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) has been introduced to test new cars more accurately on fuel consumption and emission...
Oct 22How telematics data can reduce fleet accidents
by Mark McKennaWhen you operate a fleet-based business your vehicles and your drivers are an essential asset. They keep customer orders fulfilled, get goods from A...
Sep 10The traditional model of vehicle ownership is evolving. With the trend moving from ownership to usership mobility services, many companies are...
Jun 29Awareness of connected cars and the threat of cybersecurity
by Mark McKennaIn the automotive sector cybersecurity threats are increasingly more complex and with the integration of connectivity the risk to fleets brings the...
Jun 11The pros and cons of leasing v purchasing fleet vehicles
by Mark McKennaDetermining whether to lease or buy your business fleet vehicles is a decision which will largely be dependant on the type of business you are...
May 185 ways fleet data can advance your business
by Mark McKennaToday’s telematic systems can collate a surprising amount of crucial data and insight which can be utilised productively to sustain the...
May 06Regular tyre pressure monitoring saves lives
by Mark McKennaAs a fleet manager the condition of your vehicles tyres will massively affect overall performance and safety. The effect of worn tyres can be anything...
Apr 10Are connected cars creating more driver distraction?
by Mark McKennaAs ADAS technology and additional in-car connectivity advancements become part of mainstream fleet requirements we question if all this additional...
Mar 27A review of Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs)
by Mark McKennaAs we approach 2050, moving towards ultra-low emission energy becomes more and more important for business fleets. Ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs)...
Mar 16How to minimise LCV downtime
by Mark McKennaWhen your Light Commercial Vehicles LCVs are off the road for longer the fees for replacement hire vehicles, loss of potential earnings and impact on...
Mar 01Drivers Hours. Changes to fines from 5 March 2018
by Mark McKennaFrom Monday 5th March this year, the DVSA has announced that lorry bus and coach drivers who drive tired will be fined for every time they have done...
Jan 18Growing your fleet and business by adding more drivers and more vehicles to the equation can be an expensive process. Plus, in times of...
Sep 26New Advisory Fuel Rates from HMRC
by Paul FinchamThe new Advisory Fuel Rates for reimbursing company car drivers (or for them repaying their private travel fuel costs) need to be adhered to by 1st...
Sep 19Safety is a major concern in fleet management which is why it is important to load your vehicles correctly, in particular HGV’s carrying...
Feb 27A salary sacrifice car scheme can be a huge benefit to both the employer and the employee. It is seen an employee benefit, which in many cases helps...
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